Pope Francis and his lasting legacy

By Jessica Gross

On Easter Monday,April 21, Pope Francis passed away, marking the end of his time as leader of the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis, sketched by Filipino artist Batilyo.

His death is mourned by millions of Catholics and world leaders, who noted his efforts towards global peace, social justice, and the Church reform. Although his decisions were sometimes controversial, he was known for attempting to bridge divides and make the Church more accessible.

Despite facing criticism, he was also regarded positively by many, especially among the poor and marginalized communities, who considered him an advocate for their issues.

His work to address the papacy and directly engage with marginalized groups earned recognition from both religious and secular audiences.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, became the first Latin American and Jesuit pope after Pope Benedict XVI's resignation.

He chose the name Francis to honor St. Francis of Assisi, emphasizing humility, simplicity, and serving the poor.

His tenure focused on marginalized groups, interfaith dialogue, and addressing issues within the Church.

Pope Francis pushed for governance reforms and greater accountability among clergy, but corruption and mismanagement remain challenges, with critics citing insufficient legal consequences for unethical behavior.

Since his election in 2013 he acknowledged systematic failures on the sexual abuses crisis in the Catholic Church but some argued that his efforts were insufficient and hindered by institutional protectionism.

Some accused clergy were defrocked, yet others have remained in service, raising concerns about full justice.

Pope Francis made an effort for transparency but many survivors felt that his efforts were insufficient and called for stronger actions, including better compensation and a universal zero-tolerance.

Pope Francis´s middle-class upbringing and work experiences as a janitor and chemical technician before entering the seminary gave him exposure to the working class but his later approach to economic issues was criticized as overly idealistic rather than pragmatic. 

While his rhetoric championed the poor, critics argued that his policies lacked concrete implementation strategies.

He also advocated for gender equality by calling for more women in Church leadership and condemning machismo yet he opposed female ordination, sticking to traditional doctrines, which frustrated those seeking systemic changes in the Catholic hierarchy.

Under Pope Francis, the Catholic Church took steps toward greater inclusivity.

The Pope emphasized mercy over judgment, famously stating, “Who am I to judge?” when asked about LGBTQ+++ individuals within the Church.

However, his actions had not always matched his rhetoric.

While he softened language regarding LGBTQ+++ individuals, Church doctrine has remained unchanged, leaving many to question whether that inclusivity was more symbolic than substantive.

Similarly, his approach to divorced and remarried Catholics had been more pastoral, but traditionalists argued that his reforms undermined long-standing teachings on marriage.

Pope Francis also strongly upheld the Church’s position against artificial contraception, emphasizing that natural family planning aligns with Catholic doctrine. 

His position had notable implications for some Catholic-majority countries, such as the Philippines, where access to contraceptives is influenced by religious beliefs.

Some have argued that the Church's teachings may impact socioeconomic conditions in these regions. 

The insufficient advocacy for reproductive rights has resulted in economically disadvantaged individuals bearing the responsibility of large families, which often restricts their capacity to overcome poverty.

However, whether or not all his reforms endured, Pope Francis undeniably reshaped the papacy, bringing it closer to the people and reinforcing its moral voice in a rapidly changing world.

His initiatives to address pressing issues within the Church and society have left an indelible mark, making him one of the most transformative popes in modern history.

May your soul find eternal rest, Santo Papa Francisco!

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